Q4
1 markMCQSection A

The table below has information regarding pH\mathrm{pH} and the nature (acidic/basic) of four different solutions. Which one of the options in the table is correct?


OptionSolutionColour of pH paperApproximate pH valueNature of solution
(a)Lemon juiceOrange3Basic
(b)Milk of magnesiaBlue10Basic
(c)Gastric juiceRed6Acidic
(d)Pure waterYellow7Neutral

Acids, Bases and Salts
pH Scale and Indicators

Options

(a)Option (a)
(b)Option (b)
(c)Option (c)
(d)Option (d)
Official Answer

The correct option is (b). Milk of magnesia is basic in nature with an approximate pH value of 10, and it turns pH paper blue.

Milk of magnesiapH 10BasicBlue

Marking Scheme

  • 1Identification of the correct option (b) (1 mark)

Hint

Think about the pH of common household antacids like Milk of Magnesia, which is used to neutralize excess stomach acid.

Quick Oral Answer

Milk of magnesia has a pH of approximately 10 and is basic in nature. It turns pH paper blue.

Analysis & Explanation

Let us analyze each option based on the NCERT text and pH values:

  • Option (a) is incorrect: Lemon juice is highly acidic (approximate pH of 2.2), not basic.
  • Option (b) is correct: Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is a mild base with a pH of approximately 10. It turns universal indicator/pH paper blue, confirming its basic nature.
  • Option (c) is incorrect: Gastric juice is highly acidic with a pH of about 1.2, not 6.
  • Option (d) is incorrect: Pure water is neutral with a pH of 7, but it turns pH paper green, not yellow.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing the color of neutral pH paper (green) with yellow.
  2. 2Misremembering the highly acidic nature of gastric juice (pH ~1.2) as weakly acidic (pH ~6).

Interesting Facts

Milk of magnesia is a suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water, commonly used as an antacid to relieve indigestion and heartburn by neutralizing excess stomach acid.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2023?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Acids, Bases and Salts" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "pH Scale and Indicators" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper.